Loose steering column?

[track_warrior]

So while randomly driving around a couple of hours ago i noticed my whole steering column was moving, it started getting worse as i got home. Steering still feels perfect but the column it self moves up, down, and side to side even while its in the locked position.

Recently my car was at the dealer for a bad ac compressor and evaporator that were replaced under warranty. And right after that i had the car aligned at a suspension shop so i really don't know which of these could be the culprit. I called the alignment shop first and they said if the steering feels perfect then its not anything they did since the whole column it self moves and the steering is spot on besides the wheel moving they suggested that i talk to the dealer since they had to remove the whole dash to replace the evap core. Now i just want to prepare myself for any excuses i might get from either one so i thought i could ask here to see what could be causing this.

Here is a link to my previous thread if you are interested in my list of problems that have been going on this month. I cant believe the bad luck so far with my e92 m3. I had an E90 M3 before and it never gave me any problems.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=900403

[kenwelch]

Sounds like the column mounting bolts have worked themselves loose after the evap. repair.

Look at this picture for bolts that insert through hold #5.
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...15&hg=32&fg=30

They are hidden by the underdash cover on your vehicle. If there is a LOT of movement then they maybe ready to fall out and the steering wheel and column will drop down as far as the underdash panel will allow. Not fun while you are driving.

[MilehighM3]

Exactly as stated above. Call your dealer and ask them when you can have it towed to them. It's either that or they send someone to fix it on site, then drive it in and have everything else double checked. The last thing you want is that column coming loose while you're driving. It's better to be safe than sorry.

[track_warrior]

Thanks for the advice guys, took it in today and they fixed it. It was BMW's fault for not tightening the bolts enough when they replaced the evap core.

[track_warrior]

Originally Posted by Lute

Another dealer screw up..

They also managed to scratch my interior trim beside the shifter, and the dash still has a rattle that needs to be addressed when they get the new trim piece in. They threw in a complimentary oil change and show room detail for the screw up. I thought that was pretty nice on their behalf though.